Columbia, MO - The Columbia College men's basketball team was back in action tonight as they hosted the Bruins of Bellevue University on day one of the Hampton Inn Thanksgiving Classic. Looking to get back in the win column, the Cougars used a big second half to overtake the Bruins and register a 

The first half saw both teams set an aggressive tone early. The Columbia defense forced nine turnovers from the Bruins, while only giving up four of their own. 

At the half, the Cougars were able to cut the deficit and only trailed Bellevue by six, 26-32. 

Out of halftime, the Cougars relied heavily on Tony Burks as he scored 30-points in the second half alone, outscoring the entire Bellevue team as they went for 29 as a team. 

The Columbia defense continued to work hard and forced eight more turnovers from Bellevue as they would finish the game with 17 team turnovers to just five from the Cougars. 

Tony Burks finished with a new career-high 41 points, breaking his previous record that was set in the Cougars' last game against William Penn. 

Collin Parker followed with 17 points and three steals. Marlon Allen led all Cougars with five rebounds while Burks, Brock Davis, and Cole Gerken each finished with four.

The Cougars wrap up play tomorrow in the Hampton Inn Thanksgiving Classic as they play against the Patriots of Baptist Bible College.